Topology Optimisation Review Checklist
Review prompts for topology optimisation — objective, constraints, load cases, manufacturing constraints and interpretation of results.
Purpose
For checking a topology optimisation study before using the result.
Setup
- Is the design domain correctly defined — preserve space, non-design space identified? — Interfaces, mounting points
- Are all critical load cases included in the optimisation? — Not just one case
- Are manufacturing constraints applied — minimum member size, draw direction, symmetry? — For the intended process
- Is the volume fraction or mass target justified? — Not arbitrary
Interpretation
- Is the topology result interpreted as a concept, not a final design? — Requires smoothing and re-analysis
- Has the interpreted design been re-analysed with a clean mesh? — Not the optimisation mesh
- Does the final design preserve the intended load paths? — Check against the topology
- Is the final design manufacturable by the intended process? — Casting, forging, additive
- Has the optimised design been verified with all load cases, not just those used in optimisation? — Comprehensive check